Next Time

Read

Psalm 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Think

“The choices we make determine the consequences we take.”

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s time to pay the piper?” The phrase is referring to the fable of the Pied Piper. The people of Hamelin hired the piper to get rid of all the rats, and he did. But unfortunately, the townspeople foolishly decided to stiff him on the bill. In turn, the Piper stole all the children from Hamelin. The moral of the story: We can choose our choices, but we can’t choose our consequences!

We’ve all made poor decisions and consequentially had to “pay the piper.” But we don’t have to keep making the same mistakes moving forward. If we pay more attention to the wisdom of God’s Word, we will spend less time paying consequences.

The Bible is a how-to manual for our lives. Through it, we not only gain knowledge, we gain God’s perspective and infinite wisdom. God is saying, “Ask me first! Look to me for the answer.”

Next time, instead of thinking, “It’s time to pay the piper,” consider another phrase: What would Jesus do? Because God’s way works!

Act

Hindsight is always 20/20, but foresight is even better! Memorize Matthew 6:33 and keep it close to your heart. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Pray

Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. Guide my decision-making and help me to stay on the path you’ve set before me. Because, I know your way works! In Jesus’ name, Amen.